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It's amazing how many times I hear people mention they have an idea for a book, and then do nothing about it!

When it comes to ideas for a book - as with all things, you may fall into the trap of making excuses or putting things off - whether it's being “too busy”, Brexit, the pandemic, cost of living crisis, oil downturn or whatever else may be happening.

I'm guilty of this myself.

The idea exists, however no action is taken, it's always constantly being put off, sometimes never making a start, or worse completely forgetting about the idea or plans.

There will never be a perfect time. If you have an idea for a book, then don't put it off. Make some form of start...

• Write a few notes in a pen and paper - whether it's just writing down a few lines with your idea, putting together a detailed plan or outline, or just starting writing - making a start is much better then doing nothing! Many don't even make any form of start.
• Ask for help. Whether that's checking out my own writing resources and help, or seeking support from elsewhere. Beware of armchair experts though!
• Set out time in your diary when you will work on your book. Whether that's 5 minutes, half an hour or even an entire day.
• Blog posts are a good starting point. Either looking at existing content (you may have already written a good amount of your book and not realised it!) or starting to write blog posts with the aim of collecting into a book. This is great for testing ideas, provides you with motivation to write your book, breaks the task down, and you are using content straight away for your business.
• If ideas for your book don't work out, remember you can repurpose what you have put together so far. For example, in blog posts, chapters for future books, bonus content for existing books people can download, etc.
• Why are you writing your book? This can help you focus and stop making excuses. Are you sharing your knowledge? How much of a difference will it make to the lives or businesses of those reading your book?

• Your reasons or excuses not to start, are most likely the reason to start! For example, sharing knowledge that will help others through difficult times, etc.
• You are good enough. Your book will be your best work. So these are things you shouldn't worry about, and certainly not put you off making a start.
• Imagine the satisfaction and achievement you will feel when you hold the completed book in your hands.
• Remember that writing a book is not a race - it takes as long as it takes to write and put together. Whether that's a few weeks or a few years. The most important thing is to actually make a start, and not think that you'll be working on the book forever.
• You don't necessarily have to be an “expert”. I've seen some students and people entering an industry who have more knowledge then people who have been doing it for years or even decades! Share your knowledge, and what has worked for you. Although this is not an invitation to write a book you don't really know anything about.
• Don't worry about formatting or setting up self publishing. Focus on writing and putting together the book, and then you can focus on these parts later.
• Having an idea for a book is the best time to start - rather then staying an idea. Wanting to write a book for the sake of it, as a glorified business card or just to make money are the worst times (or motivations) for working on a book!

Something will always come up, that will put you off, or distract you - potentially forever.

Once you make some form of start - writing a book won't take as long as you may have initially thought - whether you have existing content you can use as a starting point, or starting from scratch.

Do you have an idea for a book that you keep putting off?

Writing a book at the moment, that never seems to be completed?

If you have an idea for a book, and would like any help getting started or bringing your book idea to life, let me know!